In short
An electrical equipment BOQ should give each item a full description, key ratings, quantity and unit, applicable standard and acceptable makes, and should state the documentation, inspection and testing, packing, Incoterms delivery terms, destination, schedule, spares and warranty the project needs.
Why the BOQ matters
On a multi-category project, the bill of quantities (BOQ) is the document suppliers price against. If it is vague, quotations come back with different assumptions and exclusions, and comparing them becomes guesswork. A clear BOQ produces quotations you can compare line by line.
What each line item should contain
- A full description, not just a product name: for example, an 11 kV indoor vacuum circuit breaker panel rather than "VCB panel".
- Key ratings: voltage, current, power, short-circuit rating, size or cross-section, as relevant.
- Quantity and unit: pieces, sets, metres or drums. For cables, say whether lengths can be supplied on standard drums or need specific lengths.
- Applicable standard, such as IEC, IEEE / ANSI, BS EN, IS or a named utility specification.
- Acceptable makes, if the project has an approved vendor list.
Documentation and approvals
State which documents you need and when: datasheets and drawings for approval before manufacture, routine test certificates with delivery, and type test reports where the specification requires them. Note any approvals the end client or consultant must give before production begins, since these affect the schedule.
Inspection and testing
If you require factory acceptance tests, witnessed testing or third-party inspection before dispatch, include it in the BOQ or the accompanying specification. These add cost and time, so suppliers need to know at the quotation stage.
Packing, delivery terms and destination
Export shipments need packing suited to the transport mode and climate, for example seaworthy packing for ocean freight. State the delivery terms using Incoterms, such as EXW, FOB, CIF or DAP, the named place or port, and the final destination. The same item quoted on different Incoterms will not be comparable on price.
Schedule, spares and warranty
Give the required delivery date or project milestones, and whether partial shipments are acceptable. List any commissioning spares or recommended spares you want quoted separately, and the warranty period the project expects.
A simple BOQ structure
| No. | Description | Key ratings | Standard | Qty | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Distribution transformer, oil-immersed, outdoor | 1,000 kVA, 11 / 0.433 kV, Dyn11, ONAN | IEC 60076 | 2 | Nos |
| 2 | MV switchgear panel, indoor, vacuum breaker | 12 kV, 630 A, 25 kA | IEC 62271 | 6 | Nos |
| 3 | MV power cable, 3-core, armoured | 3 × 240 mm², 11 kV, XLPE | IEC 60502-2 | 3,000 | m |
Illustrative example only. Use your project's actual ratings and standards.
When you're ready, describe the project in an enquiry and mention that you have a BOQ. The full list can be shared once we're in touch.